I had been looking forward to this session since I first met with Cynthia and Anthony. She described a perfect setting: sunny Joshua tree, Mexican blankets, fresh florals and a day of adventure. I was in! Being able to hang out with my couples - especially wandering around cool locations - is my absolutely favorite. I headed out to the session in ripped jeans, sandals and a t-shirt only to be greeted by freezing cold temps and gusty winds. 

You'd never know that we were freezing on this sunny day but yes -- our teeth were chattering and our hands were numb. Despite the unfortunate elements, these two never once stopped smiling! From in front of the camera, in between blanket wraps and warming up in the car in between locations, Cynthia and Anthony laughed and braved the cold wind with grins on their faces. 

We wrapped up our day just as the clouds moved in and rain started falling. We left the park with the spirit of adventure still alive inside of us and ended up at a diner down the street to enjoy some great food. By the end of the day, it felt like I was having dinner with two good friends. If we had this much fun at the engagement session, I can't wait until their wedding day! I'm so truly happy to have these two as clients this year and I am so honored to be the one to photograph their wedding in the desert this fall. Congratulations, Cynthia & Anthony!

The Santa Monica mountains are well known but because of their proximity to the city, not thought of as much of an adventure. I had driven through a thousand times but never had the chance to pull over and explore with a camera. I suggested the area to Jessica and she responded with, "Sounds great! Drop a pin!". Halfway through our session, I asked Blake if they had ever been up here before. He pointed over toward one of the mountain ranges and said, "I proposed to her right over there". Well, what a perfect coincidence. 

Jessica and Blake are the epitome of style & taste. Each outfit they arranged was seemingly thrown together so easily but photographed like a dream. If these two look like they did well in front of the camera, you're correct. There was never a single "what do I do with my hands" moment, not to mention the freezing cold temperatures that they braved toward the end of the shoot. 

I love the more serious tone of this session. It was a bit more editorial and less "smiley" - even though they couldn't help but laugh and smile half of the time. Adventuring and wandering with my couples is the best - we get to see new places together and get to know each other while we explore. Jessica and Blake were the perfect couple to photograph in these hometown mountains and I am so happy for them. Congratulations, you two!